New Roomate..Help?
Hi guys, so I do NOT have ibs, but my new college roommate does. We are both rising freshman in a uni a bit south of San Francisco and in our first meeting she mentioned her ibs and how her symptoms can be hard to deal with sometimes. She was nervous in telling me about it because she has lost friends in the past due to it. Anyway because of this program we're in we will most likely be roommates for at least a couple school years, I just don't want to make her feel uncomfortable in a place that is supposed to be both our new home. So is there anything I should know to be a good roommate? Anything I can do to make her feel less nervous? What should I be prepared for?
, that is extremely thoughtful of you! The biggest thing is understanding the urgency of needing a bathroom. If you share a bathroom, this can be an issue at times. Also understand that sometimes a person might not be able to go out during an episode, and sometimes that person might try to hint this is the case. Be mindful of cues to avoid embarrassing your roommate. I would suggest open discussion if she is comfortable with that. Thanks for being an ally! -Amy, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team 
Hi,
- Echoing 's about the thoughtfulness of your question! I'm sure your roommate will be very appreciative that you're seeking to learn how to help her. I also wanted to mention that one of our writers wrote about this very topic in case you're interested in reading. Here's the link: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/support-someone-ibs/. Take care! - Chris, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team 
This is such an understanding and compassionate thought! Thank you so much for being such a kind person. I would always stock up on Febreze or some sort of spray. It helps make it a way more comfortable space! Thank you so much for going out of your way and doing research for someone else's comfort. I hope you've been doing so well as of late ~ Sawyer (team member)
It's intelligent, open hearted and kind of you to consider not how anything might inconvenience YOU, but how to make your roommate feel more comfortable. You sound like the best roommate! Also be aware that food can be a tricky thing for someone with IBS. And so can drinks. It can also be an embarrassing subject in a social setting. "Let's order a pizza and have a bottle of wine" sounds so fun and normal, and your roommate may most likely not be able to share that with you.
It can also feel very strange to have to explain one's food choices and exactly why to those who don't have IBS, and have to explain exactly why eating Indian, Mexican, Italian, or even just something as simple as ice cream or popcorn can cause such gut upsets. It can feel so awkward to have to say "no" to scrumptious food!I think I agree that it would be helpful if you could gently have a one to one chat with your roommate to see how IBS affects her lifestyle and how she has found ways of coping.
I wish the world had more people in it who cared like you do, or who were even interested in situations outside of their own experiences and were willing to learn.
